The original recipe suggested using a food processor or a blender to grind the mix into a soft powder. I did so the first time I made it, but now I just put in a ziploc bag or a tupperware container and shake. The blender-method does make a slightly smoother, silkier dressing, but I don't think it makes enough difference to justify dirtying the blender.

I use the mix for a lot of things besides making ranch dressing (which is why I make so much, in fact, I often make a double batch). I store it in the cupboard in a tupperware contaner (I shake before each use just to prevent the ingredients from settling).

For most things I just "eyeball" or guesstimate amounts, I use it "to taste."

I would estimate that for 1/2 cup of mayo, I use between 2 and 4 tsp. I usually just stir in a rounded tsp of mix into the mayo, taste and if I think it needs more I'll add another spoon.

"To taste" works pretty well, because sometimes I'll want the dressing a little stronger and sometimes more subtle. I've found that the recipes I use it in are very forgiving, so exact measurements aren't needed "until you like how it tastes" works best even for me after making it a lot. I use a lot more powder when I'm using it as a dip rather than dressing. On lettuce like iceberg, I also tend to make the dressing a little thicker and stronger, but on leaf lettuce I add skim milk to the dressing to thin it, and tend to use less mix powder, because the leaf lettuce has more flavor that I want to come through.

When I use it for roasted veggie seasonings I do much the same. I put the cut up veggies in a ziploc bag, and a little oil (about 1 tablespoon). I seal the bag and shake until all the veggies appear to be coated with the oil (I'll add a little more if it looks like the veggies aren't all being coated). Then I add a tablespoon or so of the ranch powder, seal the bag and shake again (and again if the veggies don't look evenly coated, I'll add a little more powder and shake again).

Another recipe I use it in is an easy veggie salad

about a cup of italian dressing or oil and vinegar (bottled or homemade, light or full-fat).

2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix powder

1 bag of frozen mixed veggies (any that you like)

1/2 cup chopped onion or green onion (if you'd like)

Completely optional ingredients (nice if I want to impress people at a potluck)
Any of the following (or anything else that sounds good - though you might need more dressing/ranch powder